Old Main

Old Main is the central administrative building at Pennsylvania State University, distinguished by a prominent clock tower built from local limestone. The structure houses the offices of university leadership and remains the focal point of campus activity.

The original Old Main opened in 1867 and initially housed hundreds of students until structural damage required the building to be reconstructed in the 1930s. The rebuilt version has stood in its current form since that reconstruction and continues to define the campus center.

The building displays artwork on its interior that tells the story of agricultural education and land grant traditions through painted frescoes from the mid-20th century. These artworks remain visible to visitors walking through the second floor.

The building is accessible during regular business hours and has informational plaques positioned around its exterior that explain the architecture. Visitors can freely walk around the outside and take photographs from the grounds.

A bell housed in the tower was given as a gift by the graduating class of 1904 and plays musical selections from university traditions at set times. The bell rings several times daily and has become a familiar sound across campus.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 40.17070,-80.24150

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:21